Ankara: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday emphasized Italy's dedication to support Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ankara. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the NATO summit, highlighting Italy's ongoing commitment to aid Ukraine, particularly in enhancing the resilience of its energy infrastructure.

According to Anadolu Agency, Meloni confirmed Italy's intention to continue assisting the Ukrainian people, underscoring the importance of measures to strengthen Ukraine's energy systems. Zelenskyy and Meloni discussed the situation in Ukraine and explored avenues for collaborative efforts in Europe concerning anti-ballistic capabilities. Zelenskyy expressed the critical nature of their conversation and highlighted the need for additional interceptors, expressing hope for continued support.

Both leaders are in Ankara attending the two-day NATO summit, which focuses on implementing defense spending commitments established at the 2025 summit, maintaining military support for Ukraine, and boosting defense industrial production. Zelenskyy, upon his arrival, indicated that significant work lay ahead, expressing Ukraine's expectations for a robust and productive summit. He emphasized the necessity for decisions that would enhance the protection and defense capabilities of Ukraine and strengthen security cooperation with Europe and the United States.

During his visit to Ankara, Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with various leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the prime ministers of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, and Norway. He also met with European Council President Antonio Costa, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and a US Congress delegation, with a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump.